Comment Opinions Please. Does This Make Sense?
Trade #1 Details
IND: Jusuf Nurkic & 2027 Second Most Favorable 1st Of UTA/LAL/CLE/MIN
UTA: Bennedict Mathurin & Isaiah Jackson
Trade #2 Details
IND: 2028 DEN 2nd
WAS: Jarace Walker
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Explanation
The Pacers here get a future first round pick for Bennedict Mathurin while also getting off Jackson’s money for an expiring in Nurkic. Mathurin is a solid player but it’s not worth paying him significant dollars when Haliburton/Siakam are the Top 2 options and Indiana being in position for either Dybantsa or Peterson. The Pacers also have Nembhard who needs the rock as well to be himself.
As for Jarace Walker, it’s clear the Pacers are better off with a rotation of Siakam & Toppin at the 4. Walker hasn’t done well whatsoever in extended minutes and he’s not able to the play 3 or 5 at a good enough level to remain on the team. This is basically a cap savings move for Indiana while also acquiring a future 2nd.
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Ideal Post Deadline Starting Lineup:
Nembhard, Sheppard, Nesmith, Siakam, & Huff
Backup Five:
McConnell, Jones, Furphy, Toppin, & Nurkic
Rest Of Bench:
Haliburton, Jackson, Potter, & Bradley
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Offseason - Financials
Salary Cap: $170.6M / Luxury Tax: $201.7M
First Apron: $210.3M / Second Apron: $223.1M
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Cap Space: $4.1M
Tax Room: $35.2M
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Lottery Order
Indiana
Brooklyn
Oklahoma City(Via LAC)
Atlanta(Via NOP)
Washington
Sacramento
Charlotte
Milwaukee
Portland
Oklahoma City(Via UTA)
San Antonio(Via ATL)
Dallas
Chicago
Memphis
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NBA Draft
Select SF AJ Dybantsa With #1 Pick
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Free Agency
Sign C Nikola Vucevic To A Two Year Contract Worth $24M(12-12) Using The MLE
Sign PG Brandon William, PF Precious Achiuwa, & C Tony Bradley To One Year Contracts Worth The Minimum
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Ideal 2026-27 Starting Lineup:
Haliburton, Nembhard, Dybantsa, Siakam, & Vucevic
Backup Five:
McConnell, Sheppard, Dybantsa, Toppin, & Huff
Rest Of Bench:
Williams, Jones, Furphy, Achiuwa, & Bradley
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